I feel like we should have known our marriage was going to be adventure-filled. I mean, a little over halfway through our wedding reception the power went out due to the country club’s basement flooding from the intensity of the water raining down outside. And that’s not an exaggeration. Zack + I were having so much fun celebrating with our people, and obviously it was a bummer to have to stop earlier than we planned.

But early on we began learning that the end of one good event always proceeds the start of an even grander event. And honestly, I pray we never stop learning this.

It was only five years ago that we got married and promised each other we’d always support each others dreams, and the “out of our control” adventures started following us. Since our wedding day we’ve moved from Detroit to Minneapolis, and most recently, to Los Angeles. To be even more specific, we were job-less for seven months shortly after getting married [yep, both of us!], we’ve traveled together to Tanzania, Africa with Compassion, and we’ve taken huge career leaps together as I left my day job to fully focus on Gussy Sews.

What has helped us soar at that last adventure listed? It’s pretty simple, but I’d love to share my secret with you…

Gussy meetings, and these last few months Zack + I have had countless. Not quick meetings like, “How’s Gussy going?” “Good.” “Yay!”, but hard, challenging meetings. Meetings where I want to stomp off to our bedroom because it would be easier to pout than work through the growing pains we’re experiencing. But then I remember I’m a grown woman and HOW EMBARRASSING if one of our neighbors were to hear me do that.

Lately Zack + I have been meeting outside our home, which has been so refreshing. Coffee shops are our go-to location, but most recently we went to BJ’s Restaurant and sat down knowing we had endless time mapping out goals for Gussy Sews, problem solve, and discuss its future. It felt great.

Of course Maxwell came along and offered a baby squeak now and then ;) He’s a great reminder that my time is precious and it should only be spent on things that are truly meaningful. I feel like these last few months, since he’s been born, I’ve made smarter, better decisions for Gussy Sews. My time is limited, so my focus is, too.

BJ’s has a delicious summer BBQ menu out right now featuring their Big Poppa Smokers BBQ, so we ordered their Corn Fritters with Bacon Aioli and got to chatting. A few times I stopped to take some notes on my tablet, but we spent most of our time mapping out new plans, verses taking notes and feeling a bit stalled.

One reason why it’s good to have these meetings away from home is the things we discuss can often feel very personal, especially if we don’t see eye to eye on a certain part of the process. Most of what we talk about are my ideas, Zack just helps execute or plan for it big-picture, so meeting in a neutral atmosphere can be really good for the business and our marriage. Besides, it’s always fun to change it up.

We discussed so many goals/processes that once we ordered lunch, their pulled pork and beef sandwiches, we practically scarfed them down. Everything was so, so tasty. But… you know we left room for one of these afterward :)

I love how refreshed I feel after we spend some time chatting about the future of Gussy Sews. Having Zack’s genuine support means the world to me. It can be a little overwhelming knowing exactly which decisions to make, or which ideas to say yes to, so having Zack want to be fully present for this part of our adventure is amazing. I’m really excited to be able to share the full details of what we chatted about over lunch at BJ’s soon. Promise!

The tablet I used during our meeting is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and it’s fabulous. More on that soon, too!

Be sure to connect with BJ’s Restaurant on their website, Twitter, Facebook. And if you’re in the mood for some finger lickin’ good BBQ, stop by before September 2 and order yourself some while it’s still on their menu.

SHARE WITH ME BELOW — when you have adventures or goals to discuss, where do you go? What’s your favorite restaurant to visit? And do you have a favorite dessert? All very important things to discuss, please do share below in the comments ;)

Receive all my blog posts straight to your inbox!

Comments

I am a new blogger so I am in the process of setting goals for my blog. I am also learning to sew with my daughter and we are having a blast! I signed up for your three month Gussy subscription. I may have trouble gifting the items(; I love your shop! I set financial goals each year but you have inspired me to sit down and make blog goals! Thanks! Blessings! And that is one cute baby! Susan

I like to sit and plan while I am at my day job and the kids are napping:) it’s the perfect quiet time and being surrounded by cute toddlers doesn’t hurt;) I am working on a lot of ideas to grow my shop and blog right now so planning helps. I love froyo for dessert:)

I am just starting off, and I am excited to start setting goals and really making this dream a reality. When I found your blog, I knew that I had to just jump and start my own small biz. You are one of my favorite bloggers, and when I’m saving up to take your course :)

Thanks for keeping us in the loop as to the good eats and the possibilities of what (hopefully) lies ahead :D

This post was so much fun to read and I always love seeing pictures of your beautiful family! I am new to this whole blogging/handmade business world. At times things have seemed a bit overwhelming, but it has been exciting to stop and think about my goals and dreams and how to actually accomplish them. The idea of having a “business meeting” is so good! I definitely need to talk things out and hear others advice. I would have to say Starbucks is my favorite. =) I always feel so creative and productive sitting there with coffee in hand. My Etsy shop isn’t open yet, but thank you for inspiring and encouraging me to keep reaching!

@Jessica, It’s so easy for it to seem overwhelming, I’m not sure if that ever goes away completely. BUT! One of my best tips is to know your limits. Knowing when to say “no” is the easiest way to stay calm. xo

@Amanda, you may have missed the note at the top which clearly explains that this is a paid post. I’m sure she was required to include a certain amount of photos from the restaurant. Personally, I think it’s fabulous that Maggie takes advantage of these little ways to supplement her income so that she can keep staying home with her little one. And if I’m not interested in a particular post, I’m free to just move right along. :)

I love having AT4E meetings with my hubby. (By the way, it’s so refreshing to know we’re not the only ones who deal with our gender & temperament differences occasionally causing some discomfort when it comes to business ideas & execution. ;) We typically grab cups of coffee and sit down across from each other on the couch & loveseat while the kids are occupied. But we really should start scheduling at least one meeting a month away from home–that would really be something to look forward to!

@Melissa, YES! Schedule one away and you’ll never look back ;D and yessss… I had Zack read this before I published it and he totally laughed about my tantrum comment. I knew the Gussy Sews community would understand ;)

I really loved this post of you at the restaurant, Me and my husband ,who are working and sewing with me because he was retrenched, love to sit and talk about new ideas at our favourite coffee shop. We worked really hard at home and the coffee shop (and the smell of freshly roasted coffee) is really inspiring and we came up with some good ideas there. It is not all fun and games when working for yourself (long hours and being your own boss is tuff you yourself are the hardest to please. We are expanding slowly and we recently (because we do work for three shops) learned about coding and pricing our products. You can do all the work (sewing), but when you put your items in shops, it is necessary to communicate with the shop owner and discuss the selling – the shop owner has also a say in the matter. It is important to talk about the business. No business can grow without communication and discussion. Gussy. I have learned a lot from you and you are an inspiration. For the lady that said you are full of yourself: we read years ago something that we still believe – when you don’t paddle your canoe you wouldn’t move. I have seen it on markets that we did: if you don’t like your own things that you want to sell and don’t talk to people about it, how can you expect other people to like it and to buy it.

Wow Gussy this seems so unlike you to be rude. You don’t want the “rude girl” title. As for saying that this blog is you full time business I thought that GUSSY SEWS, was your full time business and didn’t realize that “Writing this lifestyle blog is my full-time job”. I always read about you on other sites promoting the “ruffles” and didn’t realize that you were a lifestyle blogger that being said I too was a little taken aback with your increasing ad spots. I do understand that one wants to make money but when most of your followers/fans know you for ruffles it is a bit off setting to see you pushing food and drink when you’re really not known for that.

By all means keep doing what you want but please don’t be rude to those of us who have supported you and your growing pains from the beginning. In my world the customer is always right and if someone finds it a bit difficult to see the way your moving your business then please sit back and let us get used to the new “lifestyle” your’e promoting.

Remember that your doing those ad spots due to your popularity so please be careful how you respond to those who helped you on the way up.
I send this response with love and to let you know that I watched a very dear friend build her online business to great success only to watch her now struggle as she lost site of who her audience was and wanted from her , went a different way and took on the attitude to go with it.

Gussy Sews is one of my favorite blogs to read each day! Thank you for sharing your successes and struggles as you navigate through life as a wife, new mama, independent business owner, etc. I love the products in your shop! Keep up the good work :) And I have to say that your sweet Maxwell is just too darn cute!

Honestly I apologize to you Maggie after re-reading my comment. I came across very brash and bossy. I LOVE your bags and when I look at any of the ten different items I own of yours–all gifts because my family knows how much I like your fabric bags–I think Gussy. So I guess when I do come here to your blog–or your Facebook–I expect to see GUSSY SEWS news. When I see Maggie promoting ads I get confused. I know that you Maggie have a LIFE and a great tone at that and it’s my own thought process to try and think Gussy Sews products and Maggies life are one in the same. When I go visit Vera Bradley I see the VB products and not promotions for food and beer.

Gussy Sews , Levi’s, Mac lipstick,Tom’s shoes…name brands to me. When asked about my GS products I tell everyone where to order.Again of course you as a person evolves and will want to share your life but the confusion is in the product/company name and you the real person.

I apologize again and again to you for my un-thoughtful words. I ask your forgiveness and will in the future try not to separate Gussy Sews bags and Gussy Sews Maggie.
I’m sorry…..
melissa

Reading through these comments I got a knot in my stomach. This is the exact thing I fear in really getting serious about making my handmade hobby into a legitimate business. How do you deal with negativity like this when its thrown your way? Does it ever make you feel that the 2am work sessions aren’t worth it?

I absolutely enjoyed this post Maggie. You took a real life experience, that you and your family do regularly it sounds like and simply helped {weather you were paid or not doesn’t matter, this is your blog} promote a restaurant. Where is the harm in that? I’m just really baffled that anyone was saying anything negative about you or this post!

Anyways, on to my original comment. I think it is great that you have a husband who understands and supports your biz and that he helps you out with it! That is most definitely a rock star husband! Maxwell is adorable and I can’t wait to see what plans you have been working on for Gussy Sews! :)

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Since 2008, I've been writing to inspire myself
(and others) to keep chasing the adventure of life. Whether that be through my faith in God, simple living, motherhood, handmade business, or friendship, there is much joy to be found!
My husband and I live in the Detroit area with
our THREE young children. We are adventure seekers, passion chasers, and believe inspiration is all around you.
READ MORE...